Judge weighs if PV suspect can act as own attorney

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge is weighing whether triple-murder defendant Michael Crane is competent to act as his own attorney at trial.

Crane, 32, who is charged in the January murders of a Paradise Valley couple and a Phoenix cigar salesman during two separate home invasions, was argumentative and confrontational Monday morning as he stood before the bench.

Judge Warren Granville asked him if he understood the disadvantages he would have in defending himself in a death-penalty case.

He would not be able to visit the scenes of the crime or interview witnesses outside the jail. He also would be limited as to what evidence he could view because of his confinement and would lose the right to claim ineffective assistance of counsel during his appeals if he was convicted.

"I understand it, but I don't agree with that," Crane said over and over.

Crane is espousing a legal theory frequently cited by anti-government types, claiming that he is a "sovereign being" and not subject to state law.

Granville cautioned Crane about outbursts and court decorum.

"If your request is contingent on following your rules, I cannot grant that request," Granville said.

Crane repeatedly told Granville that his self-representation was not "a request" and that he intended to represent himself regardless of what Granville decided. He told Granville that he did not intend to obey his court orders.

Crane also recited a list of documents he intended to file, including claims that his name is trademarked and copyrighted. He also gave the media a "heads up," saying, "Anyone making money with my name is absolutely unacceptable."

Granville said he will issue his decision by the end of the week.

Police and prosecutors believe that on Jan. 26, Crane broke into the Phoenix home of Bruce Gaudet, shot and killed him and set fire to his condominium before stealing his car. On Jan. 30, investigators allege, Crane broke into the Paradise Valley home of Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro, robbed them, shot them and then set the house on fire. Both died.